There can often be barriers to accessing mental health services – like lingering social stigma around seeking mental health support, having to make time in a busy schedule, living in a remote or rural area and limited availability with local psychologists.
Thankfully, remote psychology services through telehealth have helped to remove many of these barriers. Help is at your fingertips via your phone or laptop, providing convenient and quick access to an online therapist or treatment.
Recognising the need for accessible mental health support, there are a growing number of organisations – like our online psychology partner, Recharge Wellness* – that provide a private, safe, and secure environment for online video consultations with highly experienced and qualified psychologists. An online consultation may also be a beneficial starting point for some people who may not feel as though they are ready to speak to a clinician face-to-face.
If you find yourself struggling, like so many others, and suffering with your mental health lately, you may be eligible for support as part of the Australian Government’s mental health initiative. With a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), you can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per year with a mental health professional, like an online psychologist.
If you don’t have a MHTP yet, are you are wanting more affordable online therapy, you can easily book an appointment online with one of our Doctors to assess your eligibility. Medicare rebates apply.
Claiming Your 10 Online Psychology Sessions
The process is simple. All you need to do is:
- Visit the Doctors on Demand mental health webpage and book a video consultation with a doctor. This is a rebated service for Medicare card holders. If you don’t have a Medicare card, you can still book a private fee appointment and speak with one of our mental health trained Doctors about your mental health concerns at any time.
- Answer a few quick questions. You will need to read over a list of statements and pick an option which indicates how much the statement applied to you over the past week.
- Chat with your Doctor about a plan. Your doctor will assess, and if they deem it appropriate, work with you to set goals, and develop a Mental Health Treatment Plan. There is a possibility that a MHTP is not created, it is not a guaranteed outcome. Your doctor may consider other treatment options as more appropriate for you.
- Get referred. Your doctor may provide a referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional. Initially, a Mental Health Treatment Plan will be for 6 sessions. You have the option to of choosing our online psychology partner, or you may have a preferred provider in mind. It’s your choice who you are referred to.
- Come back for review. It is important that your care plan is reviewed regularly. Once you have completed your first 6 sessions with a mental health professional, you will need to come back for review with our doctors. If appropriate, your doctor will then refer you for another 4 sessions.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone.
Our Doctors are available online for a non-judgmental conversation about any mental health challenges you might be experiencing, and help you plan a way forward. Book a consultation for Mental Health Treatment via a fully online video consult and access support no matter where you are.
*Doctors on Demand has partnered with online psychology providers and may receive sponsorship fees.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
In Australia, a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a structured plan that outlines the treatment and support a person with mental health issues can receive. Your mental health treatment plan will be developed and agreed to by you in collaboration with your doctor and will include the goals, treatment options and support services available. The MHTP is part of the Australian government’s mental health initiative, which aims to provide accessible and effective mental health care to individuals. Individuals with a valid Medicare card, who receive a MHTP from their Doctor, can claim up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions per year with a qualified mental health professional, like a psychologist. Initially your doctor will refer you for up to 6 sessions at a time. If you need more, they can refer you for further sessions. You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.
What does a Mental Health Treatment Plan cover?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) covers a range of mental health services and treatments for individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions. This could include things like psychology, psychiatry, counselling, group therapy or individual therapy, support groups, self-help strategies, lifestyle changes or medication.
See our separate FAQ on ‘How long does a Mental Health Treatment Plan last?’.
You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.
How do I get a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
Book an appointment with one of our mental health trained Doctors by clicking ‘Get Started’ (and select ‘Mental Health’ from the list if necessary) or find a local clinic near you to discuss your concerns in person. During your consultation, the Doctor will assess your mental health by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and any challenges you are facing. If the Doctor believes that a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) would assist you, they will work with you to create a MHTP for your treatment needs. It will outline your diagnosis, treatment goals, recommended interventions, and the number of sessions you are eligible for under Medicare.
How long does a Mental Health Treatment Plan last?
There are a few parts to this:
The plan itself
Many patients will not require a new GP Mental Health Treatment Plan after their initial plan has been prepared.
You may receive a new plan if your doctor believes it is clinically required.
Your allowance of Medicare rebated mental health sessions
Separately, the sessions that you receive under your Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) are valid until the referred number of sessions have been completed, rather than a specified time period.
Eligible people can receive up to 10 sessions in a calendar year (1 January to 31 December).
During your treatment, your healthcare provider will conduct regular reviews to assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan if needed. These reviews help ensure that you are receiving the most appropriate care.
Your MHTP is initially for a maximum of six sessions. Your referring doctor will assess your progress after the first six sessions and determine whether further sessions are needed, then potentially refer you for a further four sessions to complete your allowance of ten sessions.
After reaching the maximum of 10 allowable sessions for the calendar year, you will not be eligible for further Medicare rebates for treatment until the new calendar year. However, any unused sessions can be used in the next calendar year.
For example:
You had a bulk-bill consult with a GP for your mental health, were issued a MHTP, and have been referred to a mental health professional.
You completed your first 6 sessions with that mental health professional and received a Medicare rebate for these sessions.
After going back to your GP for a bulk-bill review, they believed it was in your best interest to refer you for another 4 sessions with your mental health professional. You’ve completed 3 of those appointments and received Medicare rebates.
At this point, you’ve used 9 out of 10 sessions on your plan by 31 Dec, which leaves you with 1 session left to be rebated for the year.
The number of sessions allowed resets on 1 Jan,
So, you can still use the last session on your referral on 1 Jan. If your doctor considers that further psychology sessions are needed, the number of available Medicare rebated sessions is now 9 (for a total 10 for the calendar year).
You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.